Introduction

Vise type sample holders are quick and easy to use. They hold the sample by clamping it between the moving jaws, this enables quick sample loading and reduces down time. They especially useful when similar samples or series of the same sample need to be examined. Using a vise sample holder is easier, quicker and cleaner than using conductive adhesives or glue. A vise clamps the sample and provides the rigidity needed for high resolution imaging. The compact and/or springloaded EM-Tec SEM sample holders currently available are:

EM-Tec V22 compact vise sample holder for sample sizes up from 0-22mm. One fixed jaw and a spindle driven moving jaw. Cost-effective compact vise which can be used in both standard SEMs and table top SEMs. Made from vacuum grade aluminium, brass spindle and stainless steel screws.

EM-Tec VS12 is a compact single action spring-loaded vise for samples with a maximum clamping size of 12mm. The vise is opened by pushing the moving vise jaw with a push rod. The push rod can be removed when the holder is loaded in the SEM. Dowel pins can be inserted in the fixed and moving jaws to increase the opening to a sample size up to 18mm diameter or to hold awkwardly shaped samples; 4 dowel pins are included. Made from vacuum grade aluminium with stainless steel rods and springs.

EM-Tec VS26 is a compact double action spring-loaded vise for samples with a maximum clamping size of 26mm. Due to the double sided spring, this vise acts as a centering vise. The vise jaws are opened by push rods which can be removed when the sample holder is loaded in the SEM. Dowel pins can be inserted in the jaws to increase the opening to a sample size up to 34mm diameter or to hold irregular shaped samples; 4 dowel pin are included. Made from vacuum grade aluminium with stainless steel rods and springs.

EM-Tec VS43 universal double sided spring-loaded larger vise for samples with a maximum vise opening of 42mm. Different type of jaws can be mounted on the EM-Tec universal spring-loaded vise. Opens by pulling the jaws. Dowel pin pins be inserted in the brass slider to extend the opening size and to hold awkwardly shaped samples. With the dowel pins a disc of up 50mm diameter can be held; 4 dowel pins are included. Includes triple grooved/smooth vise jaws. Additional optionally available vise jaws are:

vise jaw with a single 120° large groove for round samples

standard vise jaws with triple grooved/smooth side; vise jaws can be stacked to increase the jaw heigth from 12 to 24mm.